Aberdeen bring through youth academy graduates

This year Aberdeen FC have invested some interest in bringing in talented young players from their youth academy. Over the years they have had some great players graduate from their youth academy such as the talented 19 year old midfielder, Frank Ross and 16 year old Dean Campbell, who when making his debut against Celtic last season became the Dons’ youngest ever player.

This year Aberdeen have given eight young players their first professional contracts and we are going to take a closer look into each player and what they have to offer the Dons.

Jack Chesser

Aberdeen born Jack Chesser is a young defender who is also capable of playing in midfield. Chesser has been heavily involved with Paul Sheerin’s under 20s squad. The tall 16 year old definitely has a bright future ahead of him.

Max Barry

Max Barry is from Aberdeen and has played for the academy for over six years. He is a central midfielder with a reputation for having a great shot on him. Barry has a lot of experience at under 17s and under 20s level, which is important because it helps players to understand the level of play in the development league which lets them imagine the higher level in the SPFL. He also goes to the Hazlehead Scottish Football Association Academy in Aberdeen, meaning there will be even greater interest in his development.

Tyler Alexander

Alexander also attends the Hazlehead SFA Academy and plays on the left side of midfield and can also play on the wing. He has a lot of quality on the left side of the pitch and has a cracker of a left foot.

He has a very powerful shot in his left foot, similar to former Queen’s Park Academy graduate and current Liverpool left back Andrew Robertson and if Alexander’s left foot is as good as Robertson’s, he is sure to have a fantastic career at the top level.

Sean Linden

Sean Linden is fully aware of the standard of football required to play for Aberdeen as he has vast experience of the under 20s squad, however he is one of the few players that has only been involved with pro youth football for a few years. Linden has wicked pace and has pinpoint crossing.

The youngster was born in Elgin and attended the Academy of Elgin. He was noticed as one of the top players in a pre-season tournament in St Andrews and if he is to continue playing the same style of football that he is used to, he is sure to be one of Aberdeen’s top players in the future.

Lloyd Robertson

Lloyd Robertson is the younger brother of Sam Robertson who was involved with the great team that won the development league years ago. Robertson is like a chameleon on the pitch and can play in various positions such as both fullback positions and in midfield. Lloyd is very comfortable when he has the ball and has great vision of the game.

He is also very hard to get past. Lloyd Robertson is from Aberdeen and seems to be one of the brightest talents in the youth academy’s defensive side.

Connor Barron

Connor Barron, from Kintore, has been in Aberdeen’s match programme many times. He is a very agile and skilful player and has caps for Scotland’s Under 16 squad and even has a goal to his name against bitter rivals, England. Connor is sure to be in the international first team in the future.

He has been at the academy for a very long time, since he was nine, so has a lot of experience in the pro youth game. He also has helpful experience with the under 20s squad and is a huge talent.

Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan, from Fraserburgh, is a player who can play almost anywhere and predominantly plays in midfield both through the middle and wide. However, Duncan has a very good eye for goal and can create a huge chance from the smallest of opportunities.

Lewis is very competent when he is closed down and put under pressure and he can make opportunities in a small space. The introduction into full time training will surely help him develop his skills and become an even more dangerous player.

Kieran Shanks

Finally we have out and out striker Kieran Shanks. Kieran is yet another player who attended the Hazlehead SFA Academy. He has deservedly received a contract not only for his natural talent in front of goal but for his hard-work and determination.

Shanks is very good at holding up the play when he has the ball and once he has fully developed his skills he is sure to be a top striker in Scottish football. Watch out for this talented young player in the future.